Control of the injectability of calcium carbonate-calcium phosphate mixed cements for bone reconstruction

Abstract

The purpose of this study was to improve injectability and cohesiveness of original calcium carbonate-calcium phosphate mixed (CaCO3-CaP) self-setting paste for bone filling and repair. With this aim in view dry co-grinding was implemented on the solid phase (vaterite and dicalcium phosphate dihydrate) of this cement. A protocol designed to quantify paste injectability has been established and pointed out the synergistic positive effects of solid phase co-grinding treatment on injectability, cohesiveness and setting time of the paste. The improvement of these properties are related to close and homogeneous association of reactive powders and to the decrease of specific surface area favoring the powders hydration process enhancing setting reaction rate. In addition, the particle size decrease and morphology modification improved flowability of the paste which results in a low and constant (320 g) force level to extrude the paste.